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Surnames: GARRETT, FUNK, ROACH, BOLTIN, RICHARDSON, ELLIS, RITTENHOUSE
Classification: Biography
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Standard History of Adams & Wells Counties, Indiana – 1918
Tyndall & Lesh Pages 527 & 528
FRANK C. GARRETT
Frank C. Garrett has long enjoyed a substantial position in the community of Liberty Township of Wells County, where he has spent practically all the years of his life, and in the last ten or fifteen years especially has become more than locally known as a successful breeder and raiser of the big type of Poland China hogs. He has a fine farm, well adapted for his special purposes of stock raising.
Mr. Garrett was born on a farm in Liberty Township July 11, 1866, a son of Noah and Leah (Funk) Garrett. His father was in many ways a distinguished citizen of Wells County. Born in Mahoning County, Ohio, December 17, 1839, oldest son of Joseph Garrett, he had only the advantages of the common schools and at the age of sixteen began learning the carpenter’s trade. His apprenticeship consisted of six years, after which he became successful as a contractor and builder. In January, 1861, he removed to Indiana, and a year or so later brought his family to Wells County. On December 25, 1860, he married Miss Leah Funk, of Wayne County, Ohio, daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Roach) Funk. On coming to Wells County Noah Garrett bought eighty acres of timber land for $800. He paid $300 in cash and employed himself at his trade to pay the balance. For a number of years he continued farming in connection with his mechanical industry, and as his resources and experienc!
e grew likewise his success seemed to multiply. He was a splendid judge of live stock, very capable in handling them, and in the course of time he had a farm of 330 acres, all highly improved. For a brief time he served in the Civil war, enlisting October 30, 1864, in Company A of the Fifty-third Indiana Infantry. He saw some of the hard fighting toward the close of Sherman’s brilliant campaign through Georgia and the Carolinas, and was a participant in the battles of Kingston and Goldsboro, North Carolina. He remained with the army until the surrender of Johnston’s army, and was honorably discharged at Louisville, Kentucky, July 21, 1865. Noah Garrett was an active republican and he and his wife were members of the Baptist Church. For a number of years he was a member of the Shorthorn Association of Wells County. He and his wife had four children: I. V. Lester, deceased; Alice, wife of Alonzo F. Rittenhouse; Frank C., and Walter O., of Liberty Center!
, Indiana.
Frank C. Garrett grew up on a farm adjoining the one which he now owns, acquired his education in the local district schools, and since attaining manhood has found his energies fully employed with his business as a farmer and stockman. He followed the example of his father as a factor in the livestock industry, and for the past fifteen years has specialized with high grade Poland China hogs. Every year he has had a sale of his animals, and from these fifteen sales his stock has been distributed and served to raise the standard of good swine industry throughout this section of Indiana. Mr. Garrett is a stockholder in the Keystone Bank and is a director in the Farmers Insurance Company. His farm comprises 120 acres in Liberty Township. Mr. Garrett is a republican in politics, and he and his family are members of the Baptist Church in Liberty Center.
On January 31, 1888, he married Miss Elizabeth Boltin. She was born in Liberty Township of Wells County. Mrs. Garrett is the daughter of Wm. J. and Mary A. (Richardson) Boltin. The mother was born in Ohio and the father in Wells County, Indiana. Mr. Boltin died September, 1914, aged seventy-three years. His wife is living, being sixty-nine years of age, at Liberty Center, Indiana. Mr. And Mrs. Garrett have had five children, namely: Lola M., wife of H. H. Ellis; Alonzo B. who is married and living in Huntington County, Indiana; Flo, who died at the age of three and a half year, N. Mount, and Mary A.
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Surnames: HAIFLEY, FRUGER, GETTLE
Classification: Biography
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Standard History of Adams & Wells Counties, Indiana – 1918
Tyndall & Lesh, Page 909
RALPH W. HAIFLEY
An enterprising, industrious young man, full of vim and push, Ralph W. Haifley of Craigville, Wells County, well-known as a successful contractor, has started out in life with fair prospects for most prosperous future, his energy, ability, and good business tact bidding fair to place him ere long among the prominent men of his community. A native of Wells County, he was born in Rock Creek Township, Indiana, April 10, 1887, a son of Eli C. Haifley.
Martin Haifley, his paternal grandfather, came from Pennsylvania to Indiana in pioneer days, and was the first settler of Wells County. He located at what is now Bluffton, and in addition to becoming owner of much town property was proprietor of Kennegy Island. He was identified with the business interests of the place as a hardware merchant, and as a preacher in the Methodist Church looked after the spiritual welfare of the community. The land which he possessed was purchased by him from the Government.
Eli C. Haifley was brought up and educated in Wells County, of which he is still a resident, his home being north of Bluffton. His wife, whose maiden name was Emma Gettle, was born in Bluffton, Indiana, where her parents located on coming to this state from Pennsylvania. Six children were born of their union, as follows: William, Samuel, Charles, Ralph W., Rosa, and Anna.
Having acquired a practical knowledge of books in the public schools of Bluffton, Ralph W. Haifley was for a time variously employed, and in whatever pursuit he embarked was successful. For several years he has been actively engaged as a contractor, at the present time, in 1917, being actively associated with the drainage contracting business. In this branch of industry, Mr. Haifley has filled many large contracts in a highly satisfactory manner, his work being in every way acceptable and commendable.
Mr. Haifley married Cora Frugher, a daughter of William and Sarah Frugher, their marriage having been solemnized November 23, 1913. *Three children have blessed their union, Irene, Joy, Justin, May and William Eli. In his political affiliations Mr. Haifley is a stanch democrat.
*(Note: I typed this as it was printed in the book. It mentioned “three children” but names five. Perhaps the author put commas where none were intended and the names should read: Irene Joy, Justin May, and William Eli.)
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Surnames: GARRETT, CIPHERS, SMITH, NOE, BIXLER, JENKS, SCHROP
Classification: Biography
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Standard History of Adams & Wells Counties, Indiana – 1918
Tyndall & Lesh, Pages 532, 533 & 534
OREN D. GARRETT
Who he is, what he does and some measure of his influence hardly requires a statement in Wells County when the name of O. D. Garrett is mentioned. However, for the benefit of the few who are not personally acquainted with his achievements it may be said that he is a farm and stock buyer owning one of the best country homes near Liberty Center.
It was in April, 1862, when O. D. Garrett was six months old and a little too young to be conscious of his environment, that the Garrett family journeyed out of Ashland County, Ohio, into Wells County, Indiana, and made settlement in Liberty Township. Orin D. Garrett was born in the Ohio county named on October 22, 1861, being the youngest child of Joseph and Elizabeth (Ciphers) Garrett, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Pennsylvania. Joseph Garrett was born in 1814 and died in 1887, and his wife was born in 824 and died in 1896. Both were of German ancestry. They married in Ohio and when they removed to Wells County their oldest child, Frank W., now Dr. Frank W. of Liberty Center, was six years old, and the second in the family was Amanda, three years old. She is now the wife of Dr. Isaac A. Smith of Huntington County, Indiana.
Joseph Garrett and wife located on a farm a mile south of Liberty Center known as the Garrett Homestead. Both parents were devoted members of the Baptist Church. In this part of the country O. D. Garrett received his education and grew to manhood assisting his father on the farm until he was twenty-one. His early education was acquired in the Liberty Center public schools. About the time he reached his majority his parents removed to Liberty Center, and the complete responsibility for the management of the farm devolved upon him. That was no small responsibility for a man of his years, and while sacrificing his long cherished plans to secure an advanced education, his faithfulness to duty kept him constant, and there was no question in his own mind or of members of the family that he would ever fail. His progressive ideas, fidelity, coupled with a cheerful disposition and kind consideration for “the other fellows” were rapidly bringing him the practical!
knowledge that is always a credit to the self-made business man.
In February, 1883, Mr. Garrett married Miss Hattie Noe, daughter of David and Harriet Noe of Chester Township, Wells County. Before her marriage she was one of the county’s successful school teachers. In 1904 the home of the husband and two daughters was broken by the mother’s death resulting from creeping paralysis.
While Mr. Garrett has always placed farming first and owns 345 acres in Wells and Huntington counties, yet for thirty years he has been an active live stock shipper and is still engaged in the business with the firm of Garrett & Gordon of Liberty Center. Among other business interests he has been a road contractor, building extensively in Wells and Huntington counties. He is one of the directors of the Studabaker Grain & Seed Company of Bluffton, is president of the Garrett-Turpin Lumber Company of Mississippi, a company that manufactures lumber from its own tract of eighteen hundred acres of timber in the Yazoo Valley.
The capable handling of public affairs and offices also comes natural to Mr. Garrett. From 1886 to 1891 he was township assessor and in 1910 served as county chairman for the republican party. In 1906 he was elected county auditor, and thus far in the political history of Wells County has the unique distinction of being the only republican elected to this office.
On January 1, 1908, he took his office and the following June he married Miss Marguerite Arthelda Bixler, daughter of Rev. and Mrs. William Bixler of Akron, Ohio. Mrs. Garrett, with her two sisters, Eva, wife of Warren Jenks of North Manchester, Indiana, and Betty, wife of O. G. Schrop of Akron, Ohio, received her public school and early musical education in Stark County, Ohio, where all the daughters were born. Gifted in music, Mrs. Garrett was accorded special training in voice building from such teachers as the Italian master Ridge, and concert coaching from Hill. During their school days the sisters appeared in nearly 300 musical programs. After high school Marguerite entered Mount Morris College in Illinois, taking a course in elocution and physical culture, also graduating from the Art and Bible Department. At this institution she was a member of the college faculty for three years, and later for two years at North Manchester college in Wabash County, Indiana. Th!
ese positions were both resigned for that of evangelistic song and musical institute work among the churches. In the interest of this department of Christian activity, sixteen states were visited and nearly a thousand special programs of sacred song and story given. Mrs. Garrett also went abroad as song evangelist for the School of Travel and Research, touring Europe, Asia and Africa. Some of her best known gospel songs were written while visiting the Holy Land. “Galilee” was composed while sailing across the Sea of Galilee, and “Dreams” shortly after a visit to Mount Tabor, overlooking the Plain of Esdraelon, “the great battlefield of nations.” Since residing in Wells County Mrs. Garrett has continued her interest and devoted much of her time of Christian and musical activities.
At the expiration of the auditor’s official term of four years, Mr. And Mrs. Garrett moved from Bluffton to their country home one mile north of Liberty Center, situated on the banks of Lake Garrett, one of the largest artificial lakes in Indiana, and it is known as one of the most complete, artistic, picturesque and thoroughly adequate and self-sufficing country homes in the Hoosier State. For both Mr. And Mrs. Garrett no vacation or relaxation from home and business care is quite correct that does not include a big game hunt. Trophies from various hunting fields are found in their private collection,
“For, they listen to the pleading,
And they answer to the call
Of the whisper from the woodland
When the leaves of Autumn fall.”
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Surnames: HESHER, LUTZ, RATLIFF, SMITH
Classification: Biography
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Standard History of Adams & Wells Counties, Indiana – 1918
Tyndall & Lesh, Pages 588 & 589
JAMES HESHER
For many years Wells County people have congratulated themselves that one of the county’s most important institutions, the County Infirmary, has been under the management and direction of the Hesher family. The present superintendent of the infirmary is Mr. James Hesher, and he succeeded his father, Adam Hesher, in that place. During both administrations the county farm has been conducted in an economical manner, has practically been self sustaining, and at the same time the inmates have received the best of care and every appropriate provision for their comfort and welfare.
Mr. James Hesher was born on a farm in Lancaster Township half a mile north of Bluffton on the old Peter Studabaker farm July 10, 1884. His father, Adam Hesher, who is now living on a farm in Adamson Township, was born in Pike County, Ohio, June 21, 1855, a son of Frederick and Christina (Smith) Hesher. His parents were both natives of Germany, came to the United States when young, were married in Pike County, Ohio, and later removed to Fayette county in that state, where Frederick Hesher died. His widow subsequently came to Wells County, Indiana, and spent her last years. They were the parents of three sons; Fred Hesher, now in Illinois; Adam, and Abraham.
Adam Hesher was about seventeen years old when he came to Wells County, and found employment with the old pioneer Peter Studabaker. He worked faithfully for Mr. Studabaker thirteen years, and subsequently became manager of the old Studabaker farm. In April, 1877, he married Miss Elizabeth Ratliff, who was born in Ohio and was brought to Wells County, Indiana, when a girl. Adam Hesher was appointed superintendent of the Wells County Infirmary and entered upon the duties of that office in May, 1911, serving until March, 1914. His value as superintendent was greatly enhanced by the active co-operation of his very efficient wife. For eighteen years Adam Hesher served as gravel road superintendent for Wells County. He is a prominent democrat and a member of the American Mechanics Lodge. He and his wife had five children: David, who lives at Fort Wayne, Indiana; John, in the grocery business in Adams County; Frank, a farmer in Harrison Township; James, and Charles, a farme!
r in Harrison Township.
James Hesher grew up on a farm in Lancaster Township, and most of his education was acquired in the old Toll Gate schoolhouse. Schooling in winter and farming in summer made up his chief experiences until he was twenty-one, when he started out for himself and found employment at month wages on a farm. On February 19, 1906, he married Miss Jennie Lutz, who was born in Lancaster Township October 23,3 1886, a daughter of Ephraim Lutz. Mrs. Hesher was educated in the common schools of Lancaster Center. After their marriage Mr. And Mrs. Hesher located on a farm in Lancaster Township and later lived in Rock Creek Township, and in January, 1914, he accepted appointment to his present duties as superintendent of the Wells County Infirmary.
Mr. And Mrs. Hesher have two daughters: Carrie P., born May 26, 1907, and Josephine, born April 19, 1912. Mrs. Hesher is a member of the Murray Christian Church. In politics he is a democrat who has been quite active since reaching manhood and has served as a member of the Central Committee from Hancock Township. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of Bluffton, and Mrs. Hesher is a member of the Maccabees.
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Surnames: HESHER, RATLIFF, BIBERSTEIN
Classification: Biography
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Standard History of Adams & Wells Counties, Indiana – 1918
Tyndall & Lesh, Pages 574 & 575
FRANK HESHER
Among the good farms of Wells County one that deserves notice on account of its improvements and superior management and is also representative of the industry and effective work of a very capable citizen is that of Frank Hesher on Rural Route No. 2 out of Bluffton in Harrison Township.
Mr. Hester was born on a farm in Harrison Township April 25, 1882, and is a son of Adam and Elizabeth (Ratliff) Hesher. His parents are still living in Harrison Township, and his father was at one time superintendent of the Wells county Infirmary.
Frank Hesher grew up on a farm in Harrison and Lancaster Townships and was educated in the common schools. At the age of nineteen he struck out for himself, working at month wages at the infirmary and with other farmers for about nine years.
On January 12, 1904, he married Miss Ida Biberstein. She was born in Harrison Township, daughter of Emanuel Biberstein, and acquired her education in the common schools.
After their marriage Mr. And Mrs. Hesher hired out their services to a farmer at monthly wages. The next year they improved their condition somewhat by renting a farm in the township, and after five years of industry and economy were able to acquire their present home of ninety-six acres six miles southeast of Bluffton near the old county infirmary. Thus all their prosperity is due to their united labors and good management, and today Mr. Hesher is regarded as one of the most successful men in the county in the handling of livestock. He is a breeder of the spotted Poland hogs, of Holstein cattle and Percheron horses. At a number of fairs and exhibitions his poultry has taken first premiums. Instead of shipping his stock to the market Mr. Hesher every year holds a sale when his livestock is eagerly picked up by other stock men.
Mr. And Mrs. Hesher have a family of four children named Edna, Glen, Mary and Nora. In politics he is a democrat, but has never held office and has been content to do his part as a citizen by supporting such movements as commend themselves to his confidence and judgment.
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Surnames: JACKSON, HOOKER, GIBSON, FOUST, SMITH
Classification: Biography
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Standard History of Adams & Wells Counties, Indiana – 1918
Tyndall & Lesh, Pages 529 & 530
SAMUEL J. JACKSON
This is the name of one of the oldest residents of Liberty Township, Wells County. The Jackson family have been here fully eighty years. It would be a difficult matter to estimate and appreciate all the substantial work accomplished by a single family of such industrious people as the Jacksons in four-score years. Many acres of land were cleared of timber and brush. Lowlands were drained, the soil was made to produce the crops which sustained mankind, homes have been built, and innumerable other services have gone into the composite activities which make Wells County what it is today.
The old home of Samuel J. Jackson is a mile north of Liberty Center. He was born three miles east of Muncie in Delaware County, Indiana, January 5, 1834, a son of James and Elizabeth (Hooker) Jackson. James Jackson was born in Stokes county, North Carolina, a son of Samuel and Hannah (Gibson) Jackson, both of whom spent their lives in Stokes county. That interesting section of western North Carolina furnished a large migration to the northwest and particularly to Indiana in the early part of the last century. From his home on the eastern side of the Alleghenies James Jackson came first to Ohio, married near Dayton, and from there moved into Delaware County, and in January, 1837, arrived in Wells County, locating in Liberty township. Here in the wilderness he entered ad half section of land, built a log cabin and undertook all the work and the experiences which were part of pioneer life in this county. James Jackson died in Wells County December 8, 1853, and his wife in!
1865. They had nine children, six sons and three daughters, of whom Samuel J. is the only one now living, and he had long since passed the age of four-score. He was just three years of age when the family moved to Wells County, and his first recollections are of this region when few people were living here and when it was a strictly pioneer county. Doubtless his recollections extend back over a longer period than any other living resident. There was no transportation except by road through the woods for years after he came, and he was a mature man when the first railroad was built through this county. As a boy his advantages were only those of the subscription schools. In 1856 he made an interesting trip to what was then the far west, to the territory of Nebraska, which then occupied a large place in the public mind because of the struggle over the Kansas-Nebraska bill which was soon to precipitate civil war. He remained in the west only about nine months, and then r!
eturned to Wells County and on October 29, 1857, married Miss Sarah Foust. She is a sister of Adam Foust of Warren, Indiana. Mrs. Jackson was born in Highland County, Ohio, April 9, 1834, a daughter of Jonathan and Anna Foust.
In November, 1857, after his marriage, Mr. Jackson settled on a farm in Liberty Township, and then followed many industrious years of toil and enterprise as a farm and also as a merchant and man of affairs in and around Liberty Center. In 1862 he responded to the needs of his country and enlisted in Company E of the Seventy-fifth Indiana Infantry. He remained in service practically three years until the close of the war, and was mustered out at Washington in June, 1865. He and his good wife became the parents of nine children, and five are still living, James N., Amos L., Charles W., Rachel R. and Ida. The family are all members of the Christian Church at Warren, and Samuel J. Jackson has steadily supported republican candidates and principles since the formation of the party back in 1856.
James U. Jackson, his son, is a prominent business man of Liberty Center and for many years has been the leading lumberman of that locality. He was born in Liberty Township October 13, 1858, grew up on a farm until he was past fourteen years of age, at which date his father bought a store at Liberty Center. Mr. Jackson worked in the store while attending school. He finished his education in the Bluffton Normal, and for two terms was a teacher in Liberty Township. For a long period of years he has been a lumber dealer at Liberty Center, but has many other interests. He has a farm of eight acres, and is one of the directors of the Liberty Center Deposit Bank.
On January 16, 1892, Mr. Jackson married Sabina W. Smith. They have five children: Cecil W., who is married and lives in Liberty Center, Paul C., unmarried, and now attending an aviation school at Austin, Texas; Ethel, at home; Charles W., in the United States army service at Camp Grant, Illinois, and Ruth, at home. The family are members of the Baptist Church and Mr. Jackson is one of its trustees. Politically he has always supported the principles and policies of the republican party.
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Surnames: HILGEMANN, LAMMERT, WORTHMAN
Classification: Biography
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Standard History of Adams & Wells Counties, Indiana – 1918
Tyndall & Lesh, Page 715
JOHN HILGEMANN
A prosperous and progressive agriculturist of Adams County, John Hilgemann is a well-known and highly esteemed resident of Preble Township, where his fine and well appointed farm give substantial evidence of the excellent care and skill with which it is managed. A son of William Hilgemann, he was born in Preble Township, December 4, 1887, and was here brought up and educated.
The birth of William Hilgemann occurred in Adams County, Indiana, May 31, 1845. Starting as a farmer on his own account, he first purchased eighty acres of land in Preble Township, and began the improvement of a homestead. Industrious, enterprising and thrifty, he succeeded in his undertakings, and subsequently bought other nearby land, and on the homestead which he cleared and improved he and his wife are living in peace and plenty. Both are faithful members of the Reformed Church. His wife, whose maiden name was Lesitia Lammert, was born in Germany, and as a small child crossed the ocean with her parents, coming to Indiana with them. Seven children were born to Mr. And Mrs. Hilgemann, as follows: Martin, Lydia, Annie, Martha, Ida, John and Emma.
When ready to settle in life, John Hilgemann received as a gift seventy-seven acres of the parental homestead, and has since managed it with unquestioned success. Having by means of thrift accumulated considerable means, he invested in other lands, buying, January 15, 1911, eighty acres adjoining his own property, and is now the owner of a rich and finely-managed farm of 157 acres, in the improvements of which he takes pride and pleasure. In addition to carrying on general farming, Mr. Hilgemann is interested to some extend in stock raising, although he does not specialize in that branch of industry.
On June 15, 1912, Mr. Hilgemann was united in marriage with Miss Lena Worthman, a daughter of Lewis and Sophia Worthman, who were the parents of seven other children, namely: Martin, Louis J.; Ernest; Matthew, who is studying for the ministry; Manda; Edward, a clergyman; and Ellen. Mr. And Mrs. Hilgemann have one child, Emma, born in 1914. In politics Mr. Hilgemann is independent, voting for the best men and measures, regardless of party restrictions. He and his wife are both members of the Reformed Church.
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Surnames: MOSURE, STATLER, DEITRICH, KRILL, YARGER, MESHBERGER, FLOWERS
Classification: Biography
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Standard History of Adams & Wells Counties, Indiana – 1918
Tyndall & Lesh, Pages 767 & 768
JOHN MOSURE
John Mosure was inducted into the office of auditor of Adams County January 1, 1917. His administration during the first year has been a most gratifying personal achievement, and has fully justified the confidence of his supporters at the election. He has kept the machinery of office moving smoothly and has done much to improve the general financial credit of the county government.
Mr. Mosure was nominated for office in the spring primaries of 1916, was elected in November and at the time of his election was a resident of French Township. Mr. Mosure was born in Wells County, Indiana, September 21, 1865. He grew up at Vera Cruz in his native county, and from early boyhood was familiar with and had much practical experience in his father’s blacksmith shop. He learned the trade and followed it actively for eighteen years, chiefly at Vera Cruz in Wells County. He owned a shop there, but in the fall of 1900, on election day, removed to French Township in Adams County and bought forty acres of land. To this he added twenty-four acres, and brought all of it under thorough cultivation. It was from the business of a practical farmer that he was called to his present duties as county auditor. Mr. Mosure still owns his farm. In 1909 he was elected trustee of French Township, and filled that office with credit for six years, the efficiency he exerc!
ised as trustee making the groundwork of confidence on which the people chose him to a county position.
His parents were Jonathan and Catherine (Krill) Mosure, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Pennsylvania. When quite small they were taken to Indiana, Jonathan Mosure to Adams County and Catherine Krill to Wells County. They were married in Wells County and Jonathan followed his trade as a blacksmith for many years. He conducted a shop at Bluffton and following the Civil war he removed to Vera Cruz and with his brother, David, entered business under the name Mosure Brothers, manufacturing buggies, carriages and other vehicles. That they put good workmanship and good materials into their output is evident by the fact that some of their vehicles are still doing service. Jonathan Mosure retired from business some years ago and passed away in May, 1913, at the age of seventy-six. His widow is still living at the old home aged seventy-six. They were active members of the Christian Church and he was a lifelong democrat and in early life quite prominent in party af!
fairs.
John Mosure married in Adams County Miss Idell Yarger, a Wells County girl, who was born in that county May 8, 1870. She was reared and educated in the public schools. Mr. & Mrs. Mosure have a family of four children. Osa, born in 1892, was educated at Vera Cruz and is the wife of Nathaniel Meshberger and has one son, Harold. Harley, born in 1893, is fireman of the waterworks plant at Bluffton and married Nellie Flowers. Cleo, aged twenty-one, is the wife of Norman Statler of Kirkland township and has a daughter, Dorothy L. David H., who was born in May, 1897, and lives in Bluffton, married Mabel Deitrich and has a daughter, Cecil M. Mr. John Mosure has been a democrat all his life. On March 5, 1892, he was initiated into the Lodge of Odd Fellows at Bluffton, and has completed twenty-five years of faithful fellowship with that order. He is a past noble grand and has been a delegate to state lodge. He and his wife are members of the Rebekahs.
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Surnames: WALMER, KRILL, SHAFFER, KARNS, ROWLEY, HARTLEY, TROUTMAN, TRIBOLET, WENTZ, WHITE
Classification: Biography
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Standard History of Adams & Wells Counties, Indiana – 1918
Tyndall & Lesh, Pages 488 & 489
EDWIN S. WALMER
The men who succeed in any enterprise in life, the generals who win their spurs on the field of battle, the financiers who amass wealth – are the men who have confidence in themselves and the courage of their convictions. There is a time in every man’s life when he reaches the conclusion that envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide and that though the world is full of good, no good thing comes to him without self-reliance and the power to gain results. The man who trusts himself and who plans well his part on the stage of life is a success. A strong and sterling character is like an acrostic – read it forward or backward or across – it still spells the same thing. The business career of Edwin S. Walmer, one of the foremost dry-goods merchants of Bluffton, is an ample illustration of what persistency and determination, coupled with ambition and the ability to work, can accomplish.
A native of the City of Bluffton, Edwin S. Walmer was born November 5, 1868, and he is a son of Henry S. and Catherine (Krill) Walmer, both natives of Lebanon, Pennsylvania. The father was a shoemaker by trade and he came to Wells County, Indiana, about 1848, entering the employ of Matthew Winters as foreman in his shoe shop. Subsequently he purchased this shop, employing as many as six operators, and later he owned a shop on East Market Street. April 1, 1880, he disposed of his shoe shop and located on a farm, part of which is now within the corporate limits of Bluffton. He continued to live on the farm and devoted his attention to diversified agriculture until his demise, June 6, 1900. He was a republican in politics and while he did not participate actively in local affairs still he manifested a deep and sincere interest in all matters projected for the good of the general welfare. Mrs. Walmer was summoned to the life eternal in 1901. She and her husband were the p!
arents of ten children, eight of whom are living, in 1917, as follows: Amanda is the wife of W. T. Shaffer, of Muncie, Indiana; Catherine is the wife of D. M. Karns, of Bluffton; Jennie married H. E. Rowley, of Anderson, Indiana; D. A. Walmer resides in Bluffton; Ella is the wife of G. T> Hartley, of Muncie; Clara is the wife of H. L. Troutman, of Indiana, Indiana; William H. is a farmer in Harrison Township, Wells County; Edwin S.; Barbara was the wife of A. J. Tribolet at the time of her death in 1914; and Sarah died at the age of ten years.
Edwin S. Walmer was a lad of eleven years of age when his parents located on the farm. He attended the public schools of the locality and at the age of thirteen years entered the Bluffton High School, in which he was graduated as a member o the class of 1886. This class consisted of thirty-four pupils, the largest graduating class until 1910. August 1, 1886, he accepted a position with D. A. Walmer & Company of Montpelier, Indiana, at $6 per week. Out of his salary he saved $50 during the first year. He remained with that firm for four years, at the end of which he engaged in the livery business, selling out his share in that enterprise to his partner at the end of six months. Returning to Bluffton, he obtained a position with the Leader store and remained in the employ of that concern for sixteen years, during ten of which he was salesman and manager. He then entered into a partnership alliance with S. Bender, under the firm name of Bender & Walmer, dry-goods merchan!
ts, and a short time afterward this concern took over the clothing firm of Smith & Barr, and the name was changed to Bender, Walmer & Barr. This company was continued for five years but August 27, 1907, Mr. Walmer disposed of his interest to Bender & Barr for the tidy sum of $26,000. March 5, 1908, he purchased a two-thirds interest in the People’s Store (E. S. Walmer & Company), his partner in this enterprise being J. R. Bishop. In 1913 a third partner, W. C. McBride, was admitted and the store was run under this triple alliance, as it were, until August, 1916, when Mr. McBride retired, and in the following month Mr. Walmer also took over the share owned by Mr. Bishop. The People’s Store is one of the largest and finest concerns of its kind in Wells County and has a very extensive patronage. Mr. Walmer was interested in the Bluffton Steam Laundry and ran the same for two years. He also has extensive real estate interests in Bluffton and he is a stockho!
lder in the Studabaker Bank and in the Union Savings & Trust company, in the latter of which he is a member of the board of directors.
July 13, 1892, Mr. Walmer married Miss Isca Wentz, a daughter of W. H. and Owega (White) Wentz. Mrs. Walmer was born in Montpelier, Indiana, September 23, 1870, and she was educated in the Bluffton public and high schools. One son has been born to this union, namely, Hillard W., the date of whose nativity is August 30, 1897. He was graduated in the Bluffton High School and for a year and a half was a student in the Indiana State University. He then entered Marion Institute, at Marion, Alabama, and after four months there passed the examination and is now midshipman of the United States Army at the Annapolis Naval Academy.
Mr. Walmer is a valued and appreciative member of Bluffton Lodge No. 796, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and in politics he is a stalwart republican. Mr. Walmer is a man of fine mentality and broad human sympathy. He thoroughly enjoys home life and takes great pleasure in the society of his family and friends. He is always courteous, kindly and affable and those who know him personally accord him the highest esteem. His life has been exemplary in all respects and he supports those interests which are calculated to uplift and benefit humanity, while his own high moral worth is deserving of the highest commendation.
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Surnames: THOMPSON, McCORMACK, SMITH, SARK, TIMMONS, KISER, SHOWALTER
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Standard History of Adams & Wells Counties, Indiana – 1918
Tyndall & Lesh, Pages 530 & 531
WILLIAM H. THOMPSON
Actively and industriously engaged in the prosecution of a calling upon which not only our own country, but nations abroad are largely dependent, William H. Thompson is successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits in Wells County, having a well improved and well managed farm in Liberty Township. A native of Indiana, he was born in Henry County, December 14, 1853, coming of old Virginia stock on both sides of the house.
His father, Nathan Thompson, was born and reared in Virginia. Following the march of civilization westward, he came with his young wife to Indiana soon after his marriage, and after living a while in Henry County located in Wells County, where he remained until the close of the Civil war, in which he served for a year, belonging to an Indiana regiment. He then spent a short time in Henry County, but returned to Wells County and engaged in general farming. He died at the Soldiers’ Home, in Marion, Indiana. He married Amanda Showalter, a native of Virginia, and to them eight children were born, as follows: William H., of this brief sketch; Bathena Ellen, wife of Thomas McCormack; J. Henry, living in Michigan; Effie Jane, wife of Edward Smith, of Warren, Indiana; Charles Franklin, of Illinois, and three children that have passed to the life beyond.
Brought up in Wells County, William H. Thompson obtained his early education in the district schools, and early in life engaged in farming. He began farming for himself in Harrison Township, Wells County, but subsequently bought forty acres of land in Liberty Township, where he has since been pleasantly and profitably engaged in agricultural pursuits, making a specialty of truck farming in which he is an expert.
Mr. Thompson married, February 15, 1874, Mary B. Sark. She was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, October 3, 1855, a daughter of Jacob Sark who came with his family to Wells County, this state, in 1864, settling in Nottingham Townships. Nine children have been born of the union of Mr. And Mrs. Thompson, namely: Cora Alice, wife of William Timmons; Bruce A., of St. Louis Missouri; William Edward, living in Kansas, Fred A., of Fort Wayne, Indiana; Verna M., living at Fort Wayne; Elyie E., also of Fort Wayne; Bessie B., wife of Raymond Kiser, of Michigan; Arlie C., deceased, and Della, who died in childhood. Politically Mr. Thompson is identified with the republican party. Religiously both he and his wife are members of the German Reformed Church at Bluffton. Fraternally he belongs to Bluffton Lodge, Improved Order of Red Men.
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Surnames: JONES, SUTTON, LEE
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Standard History of Adams & Wells Counties, Indiana – 1918
Tyndall & Lesh, Pages 762 & 763
JOHN J. SUTTON
Wells County was just beginning to emerge from the wilderness when the Sutton family established their first home here. Some of the woods had been leveled, land broken up and in cultivation before Mr. John J. Sutton was born, and practically his entire lifetime of three-quarters of a century has been lived in this county.
Mr. Sutton was born in Nottingham Township of Wells County June 11, 1843, but his work and interests for the greater part of his life have been in Liberty Township where he is now a successful farmer, owning 150 acres in section 35.
He is a son of Amos and Elsie (Jones) Sutton. His father was a son of Amos Sutton, Sr., a native of New York State, who in very early pioneer times moved to Randolph County, Indiana, and spent his life there. Amos, Jr., grew up in Randolph County, married in Kentucky, and soon afterward invaded the wilds of Wells County, where he located about 1835, more than fourscore years ago. He first entered forty acres of wild land in Nottingham Township, but some years later sold that and moved to Liberty Township, where he and his wife spent their last years. He worked in Cincinnati, Ohio, to pay his taxes. Mr. And Mrs. Sutton were the parents of a large family of twelve children, John J. being the only survivor.
As a boy John J. Sutton attended the public schools of his native county, and was eighteen years of age when the war broke out. He soon afterward enlisted in Company H of the 48th Indiana Infantry, and saw an active service of about eight months. He received his honorable discharge in Louisville, Kentucky.
Mr. Sutton married Louisa Lee, daughter of Alexander Lee, a former county commissioner of Wells County. They had eight children, seven of who are still living. Mr. Sutton is an honored member of Lew Daily Post of the Grand Army of the Republic, and in politics votes with the democrats. Mrs. Sutton belongs to the Women’s Relief Corps.
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Surnames: Decker, Albert, Houser, Houtz, McAfee
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Standard History of Adams & Wells Counties, Indiana – 1918
Tyndall & Lesh, Pages 489 & 490
CHARLES W. DECKER
Charles W. Decker, a former county surveyor of Wells County, has been active in the automobile business at Bluffton since retiring from office. Mr. Decker is a native of Wells County and represents one of the old and prominent families here.
His grandfather, Isaac Decker, was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, in 1820, son of Christin and Elizabeth (Albert) Decker, natives of the same state. When a young man he went to Fairfield County, Ohio, where he married Miss Langle, them removed to Jay County, Indiana, and on his return to Fairfield County his wife died. In Montgomery County, Ohio, he married Miss Elizabeth Houser, daughter of Henry Houser. Following that he was again in Jay County, Indiana, but failing health sent him back to Montgomery County, Ohio, and in 1853 he came to Rock Creek Township of Wells County, where his father had previously bought land. Still later he removed to Huntington County, where he cleared up a wild tract of 160 acres, but after eighteen months returned to his father’s farm in Wells County. Only nine acres of that land had been cleared from the sovereign wilderness and it was the scene of his prosperous activities as a farmer until his death in 1868, at the age of fo!
rty-eight. His wife survived him until 1872. They had ten children. Isaac Decker was an early democrat in politics.
His son Edward Decker, father of Charles W. Decker, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, July 19, 1846, and was seven years of age when his parents came to Wells County, where he lived ever afterwards save for the brief time spent in Huntington County. He was educated in the district schools of Rock Creek Township, and after his father’s death bought the old Decker farm and became one of the well-to-do and influential agriculturists of the county. He lived a long and useful life, terminated by his death at the age of seventy in December, 1916. He died in Hope Hospital at Fort Wayne, Indiana. In 1869 he married Miss Rebecca L. Houtz, daughter of John Houtz, of Rock Creek Township. They were the parents of seven sons and two daughters, including Charles W., John F., Rufus L., Otto R., Devilla N., Orpha, Jesse and Lydia E. The latter is now the wife of William Hoover of Huntington County, Indiana. Edward Decker was an active member of the Emmanuel Reformed Church!
of Rock Creek Township.
Mr. Charles W. Decker was born on his father’s farm in Rock Creek Township March 5, 1877, and in that locality, endeared to the family by so many associations, he grew to manhood. He was educated in the district schools and in Valparaiso Normal, and for three years was a teacher in Rock Creek Township. Of his six brothers four also taught in the same schools. At the age of eighteen Mr. Decker removed to Bluffton and became deputy surveyor of Wells County, but resigned that position to complete his education. In November, 1910, he was elected county surveyor and filled that office with great credit and efficiency a full term of four years, completing his work on December 31, 1914. The following year he took the local agency of the Overland automobile, and has done much to distribute that deservedly popular and high class car.
August 13, 1899, Mr. Decker married Lillie M. McAfee, daughter of John McAfee, of Rock Creek Township. The McAfees are another old and well known family of Wells County. Mrs. Decker is a graduate of the common schools of Rock Creek Township, having attended the same school as her husband and in the same grade. They have three children: Verdi, who graduated from the Bluffton High School in 1917; Ruth, aged six years; and Charles W., Jr., now two years old. Mrs. Decker is a member of the Lutheran Church at St. Paul, while her daughter is active in the Reformed Church. Mr. Decker has followed the political faith of his ancestors and is a sturdy democrat. He is now serving his second term as treasurer of the Bluffton School Board, and other interests require considerable of his time. He is secretary and general manager of the Bluffton Free Street Fair and is a stockholder in the Banner Publishing Company.
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Surnames: Kasler, Cole, Smith
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Standard History of Adams & Wells Counties, Indiana – 1918
Tyndall & Lesh, Pages 507 & 508
HERBERT KASLER
A man of good business capacity and intelligence, far-sighted, and earnest in purpose, Herbert Kasler, a well-known farmer of Liberty Township, is identified not only with the agricultural development of Wells County, but with one of the leading industries of this section of the state, being superintendent of the interest of the Holland & St. Louis Sugar Beet Company, a responsible position which he is ably filling. A son of Austin and Jemima (Smith) Kasler, he was born December 2, 1872, in Athens County, Ohio, where his mother died several years ago, and where his father is still living.
Herbert Kasler was brought up on the home farm in Ohio and obtained his education in the country schools. Leaving home at the age of fourteen years, he came to Wells County, Indiana, in search of remunerative employment, and for about five years was employed on a farm in Liberty Township, receiving for his labor eight dollars a month and his board. Going then to Marion, Indiana, Mr. Kasler entered the rolling mills as a furnace helper, and during the three years he was employed in the mills mastered the details of the trade, having gradually worked his way upward through every department. After his marriage, he worked for awhile in a saw mill, later being employed at his trade. Returning then to Wells County, Mr. Kasler worked as a farm hand five years. Having accumulated some money, he then bought forty acres of land in Liberty Township, and subsequently purchased forty acres more, at the present time having a well-appointed farm of eighty acres, on which he is raising!
satisfactory crops, his land responding readily to culture. Becoming sure that sugar beets would prove a profitable crop, he began raising them, and others soon followed his example, the venture proving very successful. Subsequently Mr. Kasler was chose superintendent of the Holland & St. Louis Sugar Beet Company’s interest in the counties above named, and in that capacity is efficiently aiding the development of the industry, which is of great help to the farms of this vicinity.
Mr. Kasler married Miss Minnie Cole, April 21, 1895, and of their union five sons have been born, namely: Charles, Glenn, Rex, Max, and Dean. The youngest son is now a pupil in the grade schools, and the others have all attended the Liberty Center High School, from which Glenn was graduated. Mr. And Mrs. Kasler are also rearing a boy, Leo Cole, an orphan, and a nephew of Mrs. Kasler. Mr. Kasler and his wife are members of the Methodist Protestant Church, of which he is a trustee. He is a prohibitionist, and was the nominee of his party for sheriff of Wells County, receiving a comparatively large number of votes.
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Surnames: JONES, TRIPP
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Standard History of Adams & Wells Counties, Indiana – 1918
Tyndall & Lesh, Pages 602 & 603
WILLIAM L. JONES
Among the highly respected members of the agricultural fraternity in Chester Township none stands higher in public esteem than William L. Jones. With the exception of several short periods he has made his home here all his life and his name is inseparably connected with its agricultural interests, for he has made farming his life work, and today is the owner of a property consisting of eighty acres, his home being located on Poneto Rural Route No. 1.
Mr. Jones was born on a farm in Jackson County, Ohio, May 14, 1853, and is a son of Robert F. and Lavina (Tripp) Jones, who were both born and reared in Ohio and there married. After the birth of three of their children, they came to Wells County, in September, 1853, and settled on the farm which is now owned by their son William L. They were honest and honorable people who won the confidence and respect of the people of their neighborhood, large of hears and generous of hand. Both rounded out well filled lives amid the surroundings of an agricultural atmosphere, and here passed away. Mr. Jones the elder was somewhat active in local politic, although principally as a supporter of others and seldom as a candidate. However, he served acceptably for three years in the capacity of township assessor. He belonged to the Masonic Lodge. Of the eight children born to him and Mrs. Jones, four are now living: James A., a resident of Illinois; William L; Theodore, whose home is !
in the state of Washington; and Oliver, who lives in Alaska.
William L. Jones was still a babe in arms when brought by his parents to Wells County, and his earliest recollections are connected with the home farm and the primitive conditions which still existed. During his boyhood he assisted in the cultivation of the family acres and in the meantime secured his education by attending the district school in the neighborhood of the Jones place. Upon several occasions he went away from home to work, but dutifully sent his wages to his parents, and it was not until he was twenty-one years old that he had money of his own to spend as he wished. Farming up to and after that time was his principal occupation, but he also worked for a short period in a sawmill at Bluffton and put in quite a good deal of time as a ditch contractor, of both of which employments he made a success. He was careful with his earnings, saving them thriftily, and when his parents died he bought the home place, taking over by purchase the interest of the other heir!
s to the estate. At the present time he is the owner of eighty acres of well-cultivated and productive land, lying in section 5, Chester Township, where he had modern improvements and good buildings. He has made a decided success of his operations as a general farmer, being thoroughly informed as to every department of his vocation, while in the estimation of the community he has shown his worth and usefulness as a public-spirited citizen. Personally he is big-hearted and generous and willing to help worthy movements. Fraternally, Mr. Jones is identified with Mount Zion Lodge No. 684, independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is past noble grand, and a member of the Grand Lodge of the state. He is a democrat and has always been active in local affairs, although he has not cared for office. Mr. Jones is unmarried.
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Surnames: Jones, Taylor, Tomlinson, Duckwall, Williamson
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Standard History of Adams & Wells Counties, Indiana – 1918
Tyndall & Lesh, Pages 784 & 785
JOHN T. JONES
John T. Jones has for many years been an important factor in the life and affairs of Jackson Township. Besides managing a farm he has furnished facilities to a large territory as a merchant, mill man and competent mechanic, and throughout that section of Wells County his name is spoken with respect and esteem that it deserves.
Mr. Jones was born in Salamonie Township of Huntington County, Indiana, February 21, 1844, a son of Ezekiel and Esther (Taylor) Jones, and a grandson of Daniel Jones. This branch of the Jones family has been known since earliest pioneer times, not only in Huntington but also in Wells counties. Daniel Jones was a native of Pennsylvania, lived in Ohio, and from there moved to Jackson Township in Wells County. Ezekiel Jones spent his active years as a farmer in Salamonie Township of Hunting County. The family has always been identified either with the Methodist Episcopal or the Methodist Protestant church. Ezekiel Jones and wife had the following children: Susan, Daniel, Esther E., Nancy, John T., Emily, Oma, Eurilla, Henry and Morris O.
Mr. John T. Jones spent his early life on a farm a mile and a half east of Warren. He had limited advantages in school, and lived at home until he was twenty-one since which time he has spent most of his years in Wells County. In July, 1866, Mr. Jones married Miss Susan Tomlinson. She was born near Muncie, Indiana, and came to Jackson Township of Wells County during the Civil war. After his marriage Mr. Jones located in Wells County, but subsequently lived for eight years in Huntington county. His permanent home has been in Jackson Township, where he now owns 105 acres, constituting an excellent farm, and in connection with its management conducts a store, feed mill and blacksmith shop.
Mr. Jones’ first wife died leaving four children, Vinton, Jefferson, Ella, and Pearl. On March 22, 1885, he married Mrs. Amanda M. (Duckwall) Williamson, widow of Aaron Williamson. She had two children by her first marriage, Amy, deceased, and Charles, living in Dillman, Indiana. Mr. And Mrs. Jones has two children, Carrie and Ira. The family are members of the Methodist Protestant Church, and Mr. Jones has served it as trustee and has always been active in church affairs. He is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Warren, and is a democratic voter. For a time he filled the office of justice of the peace in Blackford County.